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A word from our new editor

By Hollie Moore Barnidge
Editor

POSTED:March 11, 2010 12:16 p.m.

As a child who wanted nothing more than to grow up and become a journalist, I used to write stories for and draw out my own homemade “newspapers” to distribute to my family on Sunday mornings at breakfast. I tried to design my publications based on what I thought each of my family members might want to read. Dad’s “newspaper” was about sports and my younger sister’s often featured reports on Strawberry Shortcake and her social circle. Cartoon characters aside, I don’t think what I do today is all that different from what I started a few decades ago. I joined the Coastal Courier nearly two years ago as the assistant managing editor and immediately felt at home. I’d found a family, both with my new co-workers and with the welcoming residents of Liberty and Long counties. With every news event I’ve covered and every feature profile I’ve written, I’ve gotten to know our community more intimately. I’ve met and spoken with readers, families, soldiers, spouses, leaders, officials, workers, retirees, pastors, students, centenarians and children. And, with each new face, I’ve asked myself, “What would that person want to read about?” As our readers have allowed me to become part of the Liberty and Long family, I’ve worked diligently to create a newspaper each family member wants to read.Recently, I was promoted to managing editor of the Courier and, now more than ever, I’m striving to produce a publication everyone will enjoy. But, like everyone who, from time to time, has called on relatives and friends, I’m reaching out to the community for help. I want to hear from every member of the Liberty and Long county family. As your new editor, I want to know what interests you and what doesn’t, what you’d like to read about and who you’d like to see featured.Many of our readers and contributors have chatted with me at the newspaper or on the phone. Others may frequently see my name appear in their e-mail inboxes. But if we’ve never had the opportunity to talk or you’ve never met me, I’d like to change that. I want to get to know all the Courier’s readers and I welcome suggestions regarding the newspaper’s content and structure. In the coming weeks, my talented staff and I will roll out some changes. Readers can expect to see expanded news coverage and more in-depth reporting. There are a few new features in the works and the Coastal Courier will get a fresh look with a visual redesign, which should be complete by the end of this year. We’re building a stronger, more dynamic newspaper, and I’m excited to share our plans and this period of growth with the community.Please don’t hesitate to give me a call at 876-0156, ext. 23, or e-mail me at hbarnidge@coastalcourier.com. The Courier is your newspaper, Liberty and Long counties, so join in as we climb to new heights.